Flying machine



O. R. CASSELL.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT-1B, I919.

Patented Feb. 14, 1922.

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OSCAR ROBT. CASSELL, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

FLYING- MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented F b 14 1922 Application filed September 18, 1919. Serial No. 324,335.

' to provide a composite, rigid, flying machine for passenger service, utilizing both buoyant means and planes to sustain the same in the air, and having a propeller operable for water "navigation and additional safety means for service in the air and on the water. 3

These and other objects will become apparent in the description below, in which characters of reference refer to like-named parts on the drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a longitudinal central section of my complete flying machine.

igure 2 is a cross-section of the same taKen on the plane A A of Figure 1, as indicated by the arrows,

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the complete machine.

The machine comprises a substantially cigar shaped frame of circular cross-section formed of longitudinal stringers 1 intermediately connected by a longitudinal series of vertically and transversely disposed bands or rings 2. At each end are disposed pivoted to the frame, lateral fins or vanes.

3 for ascent-or descent, and fixed vertical fins or vanes 4 which tend to prevent de-v flection of the machine from its course; a fixed vertical fin or vane is also mounted centrally of the top, as shown.

Surrounding approximately the upper three-fourths of the frame, as shown, is a substantially cigar-shaped flotation body 5 flattened at the bottom, the upper and side surfaces thereof conforming to the contour of the frame. Said body, which is made of suitablefabric or other material, provides a shield for the series of separate and independent gas bags 6 in abutting contact with each other and each provided with a nipple 7 projecting downward through the base of the body whereby the bags may be filled with gas.

Each gas bag has contained within its lower part an air bag or ballonette 6 havmg a nipple 6 projecting through the bag 6, for the purpose of passing air therethrough. These air bags 6 provide a belt forthe machine useful to aid flotation of the same on the surface of the water.

It will be understood from the foregoing description that the body forms an aerostat includlnga reservoir which may be filled with hydrogen or other gas lighter than air, and which is thus adapted to support a large proportion of the weight of the machine in.

theatmosphere. The lower flat surface of the aerostat also serves the function of a supporting plane which the air strikes in th travel of the machine and by its dynamic reaction thereon provides means for supplementing the buoying effect of the aerostat to sustain the entire weight of the machine and its occupants. By making the reservoir in sections, the same may be conveniently replenished with gas and a new gas bag substituted for one that is imperfect Within a minimum of'time. Thus, in the event of leakage or damage to any section of the res- .ervoir, the efliciency of the remaining sections will remain unimpaired.

Secured in stepped relation as shown to the frame under the aerostat are planes 8 which extend beyond the sides of the frame, as shown in Figure 2. These planes are inclined upward toward their forward ends. Boat shaped cars 9 are rigidly secured to the frame'at each end, and a car 10 in the center, under said aerostat, all within the enclosure of said frame. The rear car is equipped with a pushing propeller 10, and

the forward car with a pulling or tractor propeller 11.

The central car is equipped with a water propeller for service in driving the machine along the surface of the water. These proellers may be driven by a separate motor in each car geared to a shaft 13. Ropes or cords13 and 14, operable from the end cars, control the lateral fins or vanes 3 so as to cause ascent or descent of the machine. The cars may be enclosed, as cabins, and be provided with windows 15.

WVheels 16 are vertically resiliently mount ed as'at 17, in a common manner. I pro vide an additional resilient sprin or cord 18 between the wheel shaft and t e frame, to lessen the breaking off effect of the wheel supports 19 as the'machine glides to earth and strikes the same. Dirigible rud ders 20 are mounted on the supports 19. A chain or belt 21 connects the forward wheels 16 with the motor in car 9, so that the machine may be propelled on land. A cross bar 30 is mounted on the top of each support 19, so that chains or the like 31 may be attached to steer said wheels.

A central substantially cylindrical space is provided between the two gas bags 6 adjacent the middle of the machine, above the car, through which a ladder 22 passes from car 10 to the top or observation platform 23. This is useful in the event that the machine floats on the water with the cars submerged, so that the occupants may climb to safety on said platform.

The longitudinal stringers 1 are braced by series of truss-forming elements 24 ivotally secured as at25. A runner or bridge 26 connects the end cars 9 with the center vious that in the event of the stoppage ofv the motor of the machine or'reduction of speed thereof, from any cause, the machine will not drop directly to the ground, but will be sustained so that it will descend slowly. Should it descend on the surface of water, it is capable of proplusion therethrough and is provided with means for the safety of its occupants in case the cars become flooded. I claim 1. In a. flying machine, a rigid substantially cylindrical frame, a flotation body having the underside thereof flattened, a covering on said frame, a plurality of gas bags enclosed in said flotation body, an air bag contained in the lower part of each of said gas bags, a series of planes spaced longitudinally of the frame at the lower art thereof and projecting laterally there om on opposite sides thereof, a plurality of 'pairs of running wheels located under said frame and connected to rotatable steering posts, rudders mounted on said steering posts; and a series of propellers, one of said pairs of wheels being rotatable in unison with one of said propellers. 2. In a flying machine, a rigid substantially cylindrical frame, a flotation body having the underside thereof flattened, a covering on said frame, a plurality of gas bags enclosed in said flotation body, an alr bag contained in the lower part of each of said gas bags, a series of planes spaced longitudinally ofthe frame at the lower part thereof and projecting laterally therefrom on opposite sides thereof, a plurality of pairs of running wheels located under s a1d frame and connected to rotatable steer ng posts, rudders mounted on said steering posts, and a series of propellers, one of said pairs of wheels being rotatable in unison with one of said propellers, and means for balancing the machine longitudinally consisting of a weight, and a longitudinally movable rope to which said weight is secured.

In testimony whereof I have afiixed my signature.

OSCAR ROBT. CASSELL. 

